Temple University Athletics
BASEBALL SUFFERS 13-12 DEFEAT AT THE HANDS OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
3.13.04 | Baseball
Temple (5-5) took a 12-9 lead into the bottom of the eighth only to see the home squad score four runs off reliever Chris Hamilton (1-1) on four hits to deny head coach Skip Wilson his 1,000th career win.
The Owls equaled the 16 hit attack by Florida International but unfortunately for the Owls, 15 of their hits were singles while the Golden Panthers had nine extra base hits. Leading the way for the Owls was right fielder Pete Colon who had three hits and a pair of runs batted in. Catcher Marc Wagner had four RBI's while five other Owl players had a pair of hits.
Leading 9-8 heading into the visitors seventh, the Owls plated three runs to take a 12-8 lead. Second baseman Justin Cooper and third baseman Mike Weckenman singled to begin the inning. Following an error on a John Quigley sacrifice bunt, Danny Hernandez replaced Frank Gonzalez on the mound for the Golden Panthers. Pete Colon singled to left to knock in two runs and the Owls final run scored in the inning on a ground ball double play.
Following an FIU run in the seventh, the Owls went quietly in the eighth. With reliever Chris Hamilton on in relief of starter Chris Kurtz, the home team erupted for a game-winning four-run rally in the bottom of the inning. Back-to-back singles started the uprising. Following a hit batter that loaded the bases, P.J. Lehman singled to knock in one run. Cody Jacobs hit a sacrifice fly to score the second run of the inning. A ground out knotted the score and a double to left-center by Michael Lopez scored the eventual game winner.
The Owls finish a successful southern trip at Florida International University tomorrow with a match up against Manhattan College at 1:00 p.m.
